Where Do Carpet Beetles Come From? How Do You Get Rid Of Them?

Ayan Banerjee
Dec 23, 2022 By Ayan Banerjee
Originally Published on Oct 13, 2021
Edited by Katherine Cook
Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao
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Varied carpet beetle Anthrenus verbasci home.

The carpet beetle from the Dermestidae family is a 0.12 in (3 mm) long beetle.

This species is often recognized as a pest to many household things. Baby beetles called larvae damage many natural fibers and furniture, clothes, and insect collections.

Research says that these beetles are the very first brood of insects that shows annual behavioral rhythm very appropriately. Carpet beetles, as their name indicates, are pests that infest carpets on occasion.

In addition to wool, fur, felt, silk, feathers, skins, fabric, and leather, these pests prey on a variety of other clothing materials. Carpet beetles are pollen and nectar eaters that live and reproduce outside.

Carpet beetles can infest a building if there are outside plants present. Carpet beetles are attracted to light.

They'll find a way in through gaps in windows and doors. Larvae can consume keratin, a fibrous animal protein found in such materials. Synthetic textiles such as rayon and polyester, once mixed with wool or food stains or oils gets easily attacked by this pest.

Carpet beetle infestations can go unnoticed for a long time, causing damage to household objects. The adults are little oval-shaped beetles that range in color from black to different mottled patterns of white, brown, yellow, and orange and have a small size.

Adult carpet beetles eat flower pollen and are unaffected by wool or other textiles. They frequently emerge on windowsills in the spring, indicating that an infestation may be present within the home.

About 50-100 eggs are laid by female beetles on objects. Oval-shaped adult beetles lay small eggs that develop into fabric-eating larvae in a matter of weeks.

Carpet beetle larvae are roughly an eighth to a quarter of an inch long, tan to brownish in color, and thickly coated with hairs or hair. The shed (moulted) skins of developing carpet beetle larvae are also left behind.

They leave threadbare patches, shed skins, hair, and uneven holes when they graze along the surface of sensitive materials. Carpet beetle larvae feed on things that are stored for a long duration of time and are not used often which includes fabric folded in boxes, closets, and chests.

Regularly used clothing and blankets are rarely attacked, and rugs that are cleaned on a regular basis are similarly spared. Rugs, carpets edges, fabric, undersides are more prone to be infected than exposed regions.

Carpet beetles can be removed in a variety of methods. This also calls for pest control services.

Methods to remove carpet beetles include vacuuming, cleaning with vinegar, and the freezing of fabrics.

Make sure to vacuum all textiles, including carpeted rooms and dog beds, as well as vacuuming textiles and spraying them with pesticide. Vinegar can also be used to clean and fabrics should be frozen.

These pests are susceptible to high temperatures. Some other preventive methods include sealing of cracks and crevices, use of naphthalene balls, cleaning of clothes and fabrics regularly, and the use of insect sprays.

It is important to try and keep birds' nests away from doors and windows and constant cleaning of your pet's bed and its surroundings is needed since carpet beetles prefer furry animals. This pest feeds on your pet's dead skin and utilises their bodies as a hiding spot.

If you enjoyed this article, why not also read about where do centipedes come from or where do flies come from here on Kidadl.

Do carpet beetles come from outside?

Carpet beetles are pollen and nectar eaters that live and reproduce outside. Carpet beetles infest the building if there are outside plants present.

Carpet beetles are attracted to lights. This pest will find a way in through gaps in windows and doors, as well as, openings around plumbing entries, electrical ducts, vents, and even chimneys to reach the light.

Carpet beetles have been found to infest a wide range of things in the home.

One carpet beetle does not mean an infestation, but if neglected, it may eventually cause an infestation since they grow in population very rapidly and soon may end up destroying every household item due to their eating habits. Typical targets include animal based products especially fabric, rugs, and lint and feed on it unlike moths.

The fur on the body of a dead animal that may have become stuck in chimneys, as well as, walls attract certain insects and this pest.

Carpet beetles are attracted to dried-out flower bouquets. Carpet beetles will eat dry dog food, wheat, lint, and noodles in some cases.

Some of the most common carpet beetles are the varied carpet beetle, furniture carpet beetle, and black carpet beetle. The varied carpet beetle typically deposits 40 eggs, which hatch in 10- 20 days.

Before pupating, the larvae life cycle is for 220-630 days. The pest spends 10-13 days as pupae before emerging as adults.

Adult female variegated carpet beetles have a lifespan of two to six weeks, whereas, adult males have a lifespan of two to four weeks. The furniture carpet beetle has a similar life cycle as the varied carpet beetle. The black carpet beetle lays 90 eggs on average, which is more than the other two carpet beetles.

Larvae live for 166-330 days until pupating after the eggs hatch in 9-16 days. Adult black carpet beetles have a lifespan of four to eight weeks.

Can carpet beetles come from the soil?

Yes, carpet beetles can come from the soil especially from outdoor plants and flowers. Carpet beetles are frequently drawn to flowers in the yard and even the adult ones prefer nectar. Their eggs are laid in fabrics or textiles like carpets so that their offspring may eat it.

They are found in a range of sizes, as well as, shapes and usually have six legs and two antennas. They also have bristly hairs covered on their oval-shaped body. Their skin has a rigid yellow brown or dark brown appearance.

The color of carpet beetles depends on the beetle. Because of their tiny size, they are drawn to light and may readily fly in via holes in windows and doors.

Easy entry locations include openings surrounding plumbing entries and chimneys. Carpet beetles, like bed bugs, are often so tiny that they are difficult to detect. Some are spread when a beetle is unintentionally brought indoors on a clothing garment by a householder.

Macro shot of a varied carpet beetle on a white daisy.

What are carpet beetles and where do they come from?

Carpet beetles are pests that feed on wool, fur, felt, silk, feather, among other animal-based fabrics. During the larval stage, these bugs do inflict damage.

The larvae can be found in carpets, clothing, leather, and even in dried food goods. The variegated carpet beetle, the furniture carpet beetle, and the black carpet beetle are the three primary species of carpet beetles.

The majority of carpet beetles live and reproduce outside where they eat pollen and nectar. Beetle larvae are responsible for the pest's destructive feeding.

They are frequently seen in the yard. While traveling from bloom to flower in search of nectar, many adult beetles unintentionally fly inside dwellings.

They'll fly or crawl through holes in window and door frames, siding fractures, and utility line openings. As beetles grow more active in warmer temperatures, infestations are more likely to start in the summer. Carpet beetles like dark, secluded locations to eat and lay their eggs.

Before laying their eggs, adult carpet beetles actively search for food sources in their favored locations. Because of their tiny size, most species are drawn to the light and may readily fly in via holes.

Easy entry locations include openings surrounding plumbing entries, electrical conduits, soffit vents, eaves, and chimneys. As a result, many beetle infestations begin in attics or other dark, inaccessible locations.

They usually do not come in from the woods since they grow and reproduce almost in every home. Carpet beetles are incredibly prevalent insects that manage to find their way into nearly every household.

Also, due to eating of home organic materials including fabrics or textiles and since they can fly, they are commonly found in every home. Beetle larvae like to feed in locations where predators won't see them, such as behind folds or on the undersides of clothes.

Carpet beetles, like bed bugs, are often so tiny that they are difficult to detect. Some are spread when a beetle is brought indoors.

Do carpet beetles come from outdoor plants?

Carpet beetles usually infest your home through outdoor plants and flowers.

Adult carpet beetles preferably eat nectars and may live in many places including both indoors and outdoors. Females usually search areas with abundant food sources for larvae and lay eggs in these places. These pests get access to dwellings through the door and other openings.

Cut flowers and plants can also be used to bring them in. Some dwell in bird or animal nests, while others live in chimneys and walls, preying on dead insects and animals. Pest control services are used to get rid of carpet beetle larvae.

How do you get rid of the source of carpet beetles?

The first important step to get rid of the source of carpet beetles is to examine the exterior of the property to ensure that any potential access points are securely sealed and that windows have secure screens. Pest control services can also be used.

These beetles' food supplies will be reduced if the amount of blooming plants and flowers outside the home is limited. Changing the outdoor lights from ordinary white bulbs will also help reduce the risk of a beetle infestation.

Carpet beetles can be removed in a variety of methods. The methods include vacuuming, cleaning with vinegar, and the freezing of fabrics.

Make sure to vacuum all textiles, including carpeted rooms and dog beds. After vacuuming the textiles, spray them with a pesticide. Carpet beetles are susceptible to high temperatures.

Wrapping of the textiles in plastic bags and freezing them for at least 48 hours can get rid of carpet bugs. Some other preventive method includes sealing of cracks and crevices, the use of naphthalene balls, cleaning of the clothes and fabrics regularly, the use of insect sprays.

Other methods include keeping birds' nests away, cleaning of your pet's bed and its surroundings since carpet beetles prefer furry animals. They feed on your pet's dead skin and utilise their bodies as a hiding spot.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly factsfor everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for where do carpet beetles come from,then why not take a look at Where do maggots come from? or varied carpet beetle facts?

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Written by Ayan Banerjee

Bachelor of Science specializing in Nautical Science

Ayan Banerjee picture

Ayan BanerjeeBachelor of Science specializing in Nautical Science

Thanks to his degree in nautical science from T.S. Chanakya, IMU Navi Mumbai Campus, Ayan excels at producing high-quality content across a range of genres, with a strong foundation in technical writing. Ayan's contributions as an esteemed member of the editorial board of The Indian Cadet magazine and a valued member of the Chanakya Literary Committee showcase his writing skills. In his free time, Ayan stays active through sports such as badminton, table tennis, trekking, and running marathons. His passion for travel and music also inspire his writing, providing valuable insights.

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Fact-checked by Pradhanya Rao

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

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Pradhanya RaoBachelor of Commerce specializing in Marketing and HR

With a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Christ University, Bangalore, Pradhanya's passion for the English language and literature led her to explore the field of content writing, where she has gained extensive experience in writing, reviewing, editing, and fact-checking. She has also earned certifications in Google Ads Search, Google Ads Display, and Social Media Marketing, showcasing her proficiency in digital marketing.

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